Grooming Class?

[yunakitty 2]

My DON (who always is dreaming up stuff for me to do) is being really insistent about me starting a daily "Grooming class" for AL. She says that all nursing homes do this, and that it's the activities staff that does it, not nurses. This is the first time I've worked in long term care, but my boss has been at it for 10+ years and says she hasn't heard of that. Basically, she wants me to get the three ladies that live upstairs together every morning and put on all their makeup for them.

 

Couple of problems there...first of all, that's personal care, so it's the nurse's job to assist them. If they even need help, which they all can do it themselves with occasional coaching. I have put makeup on residents before, but it was when we were about to go out for lunch and they needed a little fixing up and ASKED me for help. But I can't have a class at a certain time EVERY single day to do this. Secondly, we are a person-centered care place, so they get up at all hours -sometimes at 7am, sometimes not until 2pm! I can't be on hand to do their makeup whenever they get up!

 

We have a very small population because we're fairly new (5 in AL, 7 in clinical) so it's just me over here. I work Sat-Wed and our Activity assistant, who is part time and we share (my boss is the Resident Services Director for independent living, and I'm the AD for healthcare) comes over on Thursday and Friday to do my program for me. If we had a larger population, say 50 people, I might have an assistant working with me most days, and she could do that for the ladies while I set up to do the normal morning activity for everyone, like exercise or watercolors. I just don't have enough residents to have more than one morning and one afternoon activity, and I can't do this "grooming class" as the only morning activity for AL, since that's not fair to the two guys that live up there.

 

This is all stemming from a very vocal and very unhappy daughter of one of the residents. She has extremely high, unreasonable standards for her mother. She has screamed at staff and flipped out because we sent her mother out with a shirt with a stain on it (like a tiny dot!) and when her mother's makeup isn't done to her standard (never mind that her makeup is old and not the right tones for her, and we've asked her to get new stuff but she doesn't, she thinks we ought to wave our magic wands and make it work.) The thing is, this is not going to satisfy her, because nothing will. She is just a very miserable person and she is guilty about "putting her mother in a home" so she takes it out on us in anyway she can. For the record, this resident always looks great: very cute outfits, lipstick on, hair done twice a week, and she participates in so much; and even goes on independent outings! (She moved from over there 6 months ago.)

 

I do have some facials, makeovers, and manicures activities planned throughout this month in response, but the DON pulled my boss aside yesterday and complained that she had told me to start a grooming class and that I hadn't, and that when she asks me to do anything, I just look at her. (That's because she's not my boss, so I don't have to do what she says, and she is very argumentative, and I don't want to start an argument with her in the morning meeting, so I just say something non-committal and move on.) But see, my activities are fun stuff. We're going to try different facial products and sample new things. A grooming class is very run of the mill ADL's, not fun, which is what I feel activities should be.

 

So, am I just being ridiculous? Do you guys do grooming classes? My boss says not to do it, and I'm not going to, but I'd just like to hear what you guys have to say.

[irish22 0]

I work in a 70 bed facility split LTC and Skilled rehab. It is my job to keep all the residents nails cut and the ladies painted and put makeup on the ones that want it. Every morning when I come in I do a morning coffee, cookie, and newspaper pass. When I do this I typically take the time when I get to the residents who want make up on and do it for them or assist them, for some of the men give them a couple squirts of cologne. While I don't have a set time or a class I do have some grooming responsibiities. You can turn them into a fun activity too if thats what your nursing home wants. The men don't really care about the whole business, find a morning run around cut them. Most wouldn't care if you bit their nails off, but this is a wonderful activity for the girls. Turn the activity room into a spa by putting on some soothing music, lighting a couple candles or puting out diffuser sticks in a fresh scent, set up coffee and tea. Bring the ladies in and let them soak their nails in warm water and oil. Give each one a hand massage and a paint job. You can even do their facial masks on them while they're in there but be careful about their sensitive skin! The ladies love this time with just the girls and when they are getting lots of pampering attention.

 

While these things could be considered an ADL and for the nurses and aides I look at it like a self esteem booster. When the residents first get their hair done for the week, or get their nails painted, or have their makeup put on they feel good. They're more likely to get out and participate in activities and interaction with other residents.The aides don't always have time to draw someones eyebrows on with every other thing they have to get done during their shift. Techincially makeup is not considered an ADL for the nursing staff anyway. Good luck!

[catlover30 0]

I work in a 70 bed facility split LTC and Skilled rehab. It is my job to keep all the residents nails cut and the ladies painted and put makeup on the ones that want it. Every morning when I come in I do a morning coffee, cookie, and newspaper pass. When I do this I typically take the time when I get to the residents who want make up on and do it for them or assist them, for some of the men give them a couple squirts of cologne. While I don't have a set time or a class I do have some grooming responsibiities. You can turn them into a fun activity too if thats what your nursing home wants. The men don't really care about the whole business, find a morning run around cut them. Most wouldn't care if you bit their nails off, but this is a wonderful activity for the girls. Turn the activity room into a spa by putting on some soothing music, lighting a couple candles or puting out diffuser sticks in a fresh scent, set up coffee and tea. Bring the ladies in and let them soak their nails in warm water and oil. Give each one a hand massage and a paint job. You can even do their facial masks on them while they're in there but be careful about their sensitive skin! The ladies love this time with just the girls and when they are getting lots of pampering attention.

 

While these things could be considered an ADL and for the nurses and aides I look at it like a self esteem booster. When the residents first get their hair done for the week, or get their nails painted, or have their makeup put on they feel good. They're more likely to get out and participate in activities and interaction with other residents.The aides don't always have time to draw someones eyebrows on with every other thing they have to get done during their shift. Techincially makeup is not considered an ADL for the nursing staff anyway. Good luck!

 

 

well said couldn't have said it any better! Though I do it at 9am and come for a touch up on the lips after lunch!

[BartMan 0]

I also do a "Grooming Session" at my place. I get the Nurse Techs involved with it. I promise you that if you try to include the Nurse techs in your Activities that it shall pay off for you in the long run when you really need help , for example at Christmas when there is so much to do , they (Techs) will be more willing to help out...... Also you can use your "Grooming" as a one on one for Sate requirements , also you can turn it into a Sensory Stimulation class with the hand rubs and lotions and also a Aroma Therapy session all at the same time. The State will Love this....... Don't look at it as who's job it is to do "grooming" look at it as everyone working together as a team.... Try not to miss the "big Picture" if you will....... And don't take this the wrong way. I am not trying to tell you what to do , only suggesting you use this as an oppurtunity to bring your facilty and Colleagues closer together .... This will make the Quality of Life for your Residents only that much better. Good Luck !!!! BartMan in Tally ;o)

 

 

 

I work in a 70 bed facility split LTC and Skilled rehab. It is my job to keep all the residents nails cut and the ladies painted and put makeup on the ones that want it. Every morning when I come in I do a morning coffee, cookie, and newspaper pass. When I do this I typically take the time when I get to the residents who want make up on and do it for them or assist them, for some of the men give them a couple squirts of cologne. While I don't have a set time or a class I do have some grooming responsibiities. You can turn them into a fun activity too if thats what your nursing home wants. The men don't really care about the whole business, find a morning run around cut them. Most wouldn't care if you bit their nails off, but this is a wonderful activity for the girls. Turn the activity room into a spa by putting on some soothing music, lighting a couple candles or puting out diffuser sticks in a fresh scent, set up coffee and tea. Bring the ladies in and let them soak their nails in warm water and oil. Give each one a hand massage and a paint job. You can even do their facial masks on them while they're in there but be careful about their sensitive skin! The ladies love this time with just the girls and when they are getting lots of pampering attention.

 

While these things could be considered an ADL and for the nurses and aides I look at it like a self esteem booster. When the residents first get their hair done for the week, or get their nails painted, or have their makeup put on they feel good. They're more likely to get out and participate in activities and interaction with other residents.The aides don't always have time to draw someones eyebrows on with every other thing they have to get done during their shift. Techincially makeup is not considered an ADL for the nursing staff anyway. Good luck!

[joanbanks86 0]

grooming is very important to my residents so i make sure that all the residents go to the beauty shop and keep their nails up , cut and clean

[jurifil 0]

At my facility we have spa, Its almost like grooming. During spa program when I see that one of the residents hair in my group is messy I would fix the residents hair. But I wouldnt put make up on them as part of my activity program.

[Hope 0]

Tuesday is the hairdresser's day to come, so our attendance is scattered, especially in the morning. I tried to set up a Men's club during that time, but our men tend to sleep in or just say No. (they only come for bingo and food, and if the ladies found out I give them that, it won't be a Men's group!). So, we call Tuesdays "Beauty Tuesday." That is also the day the church ladies come and make and serve popcorn and pass it out (though most choose store bought fluff). Then, in the morning, as people are getting out and about, we have "Fancy Fingers"-filing and painting nails, or giving hand butter if they don't want polish. We aren't allowed to clip; nurses must do that d/t potential for making ouchies! And that's fine with me. This week, during National Nursing HOme Week, I had a theme of "Bee Proud", using bees, honey, Bee-attitudes, etc. So we did "Bee-autify" which was floating a package of facial cloths in warm water, then I brought them in, used a separate cloth to wash each face, went back and let them choose a face cream, applied it, then made the rounds with the nail polish, then the hand butter. This went from 10:00 til 11:20, and we were playing soft 40s music (also had a daily theme of the decades), they enjoyed it regardless of cognitive level. Just doing makeup doesn't work with me, as most days, I am it, and the better part of the morning I am in meetings. Lot of take home work, can't do it all. Now, if the staff were actually bringing people to activities that were marked on their room calendars, or if they were out of bed for those they wanted to come to more often than not, I would possibly be able to help out in that area, too. As it is, I do a lot of things that the DON thinks the staff does, but just doesn't happen in the real world. The residents are what's important, and if I'm meeting one need and not another, at least I'm giving them something they do need (could be why I had a tag this year for the first time?) You can find the aides that are very helpful, and when someone really looks great, go all out to tell their aide what a wonderful job they had done, maybe even that the resident bragged on them about it (even if you have to ask the resident if they are happy with their look that day, in order to get that compliment for that aide). A little honey does go a long way, if they do something that is supposed to be routine but they think is extra, give them that extra recognition and it might well turn back into routine work and that is good for the resident.

[yunakitty 2]

I know this was a while back, but I thought I'd tell you how it worked out...

 

I do the makeup now. I have my makeup in a cute Vera Bradley messenger bag type thing, and I take it around with me. Sometimes I'm able to get everyone in one swoop; other times I can't and I have to go back later. (I drew someone's eyebrows on right before dinner last night, because I couldn't get them at any other time.) But it's a 1:1 activity, not group. Some days, the aides put makeup on them before I can get to them...if it's really bad, I discreetly wipe it off and start over.

 

The staff now says that you can tell I'm on vacation, because no one has any eyebrows. Ha ha ha!

 

I do get what every one was saying about the residents coming first and not to say "It's not my job." I totally understand that and I'm not that kind of employee. It was just that DON, she was always trying to push the envelope and aggravate me. Telling me I needed to toilet people, feed people, etc. But knowing her, she would have had me working as a CNA the next thing I knew ("But we're totally short! The residents will DIE if you don't help." etc) She was very reactionary. Yes, I say was, because she was fired in July. Everyone got tired of her craziness. We've since had 4 DON's come through...this current one is working out OK, and never asks me for cuckoo things. Thanks for all your suggestions!

 

Oh yes, and I have one comment/question. How do you do face masks on residents? I know that I make a mess myself when I try to wash those things off in the sink at home...how do you get residents that are stiff to bend over the sink to wash them off? That's my only wonder.

[drumspirit 0]

I work in a 70 bed facility split LTC and Skilled rehab. It is my job to keep all the residents nails cut and the ladies painted and put makeup on the ones that want it. Every morning when I come in I do a morning coffee, cookie, and newspaper pass. When I do this I typically take the time when I get to the residents who want make up on and do it for them or assist them, for some of the men give them a couple squirts of cologne. While I don't have a set time or a class I do have some grooming responsibiities. You can turn them into a fun activity too if thats what your nursing home wants. The men don't really care about the whole business, find a morning run around cut them. Most wouldn't care if you bit their nails off, but this is a wonderful activity for the girls. Turn the activity room into a spa by putting on some soothing music, lighting a couple candles or puting out diffuser sticks in a fresh scent, set up coffee and tea. Bring the ladies in and let them soak their nails in warm water and oil. Give each one a hand massage and a paint job. You can even do their facial masks on them while they're in there but be careful about their sensitive skin! The ladies love this time with just the girls and when they are getting lots of pampering attention.

 

While these things could be considered an ADL and for the nurses and aides I look at it like a self esteem booster. When the residents first get their hair done for the week, or get their nails painted, or have their makeup put on they feel good. They're more likely to get out and participate in activities and interaction with other residents.The aides don't always have time to draw someones eyebrows on with every other thing they have to get done during their shift. Techincially makeup is not considered an ADL for the nursing staff anyway. Good luck!

 

In our state(PA) we are nto allowed to cut nails only file them. Also- your facility allows candles? I am surprised.

[MatthewGarvey 0]

I work in a 120 bed facility. It is our job also to make sure the residents are well groomed an looking nice. We do "room rounds" where we are assigned rooms. On the checklist, that is one of the items. Are the residents clean and presentable.

[AndiLynn 0]

HA HA HA... I really feel your pain. Not just with the grooming classes but with your DON. At my facility we use to do manicures as an activity but now we use it as a one on one approach in rooms. We also have a woman that comes in once a week and does the whole "beauty parlor" thing but that is not an activity from the activity department. That is a service we offer our residents. I think to do that on a day to day basis would be a waste of time. In my facility that job is a huge part for a CNA. That is what they are there for. I just don't see why an activity department would take on that responsibility. Having said that i also want to say this. We have a once a month dinner where the residents can invite a family member. It is a casual-formal dining experience. The dinner is better and the decorations are more elegant and all revolving around a central theme for the month. It is an awesome experience. The management and activites department serves the food, we hire cheap entertainers in the area that would come and do special performances and make it really nice. As an activity before the activities department goes into one room and does woman's nails, hair, and make up. We try and dressy them up. Some people come together and chat, some come alone and just talk to the staff but either way it is a chance for them to get dressed up and they feel really good about themselves. That is once a month though.